In the mainstream, there exists a variety of television, all with varying plots, subplots, and lore. However, none are more mysterious than the hit series, “Severance”, a Sci-Fi thriller directed by Ben Stiller and starring Adam Scott. In a time where businesses have become more powerful than they have been in precedent, Severance represents a quiet commentary on the relationship between employers and their employees.
The central idea of Severance is, well, severance. In the show, severance is a medical procedure that cognitively disconnects the mind from its memories and divides it into two separate lives: work and personal. Although most would assume this would be harmless, ethical dilemmas quickly arise within the minds of new fans. Do work minds, innies, have their own autonomy? How would employees know if their employers were abusing them? Is it more valuable to grieve in whole than in part? Philosophical questions, much like these, are part of what makes Severance a massive hit.
Although the second season of Severance was released in January of this year, season one came from much more humble beginnings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an acute shortage of quality TV and movies for audiences to enjoy. However, even in the midst of a collapsing industry, the directors of Severance still maintained enough support from Apple TV to launch the show in 2022. This is likely the reason Severance failed to enter the mainstream until the release of season two, as many shows released during the pandemic failed to gain traction.
Another reason audiences may be enraptured with the story of innies and outies is the talent of the cast. Adam Scott, Christopher Walken, Gwendoline Christie, and John Turturro all have decorated careers in the entertainment industry. Even the less well-known cast members (Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry), all serve to have their own star performances to elevate the show further.
Even though season two has just concluded, fans are hungry for more. Its conclusion leaves many questions unanswered; questions that will be answered in season three. Hold on to your outies sanity and stay tuned!
